Listener Feedback: Horizontal or Vertical Wall Sheathing?

Kevin writes: On a recent Fine Homebuilding Podcast episode, someone said horizontal orientation is superior to vertical. They did not cite a source supporting the statement. APA maintains both installations are equal provided the panels are attached to framing or blocking. Can you please cite their source or at least clarify which, if either, orientation is superior?

Question 2: Can I install my own French drain and sump pump?

Matt from Columbus writes: Hey FHB Team! Long time, first time. My wife and I are wrapping up a full home renovation (strip the house back to studs and starting over). There’s one major job that I’m not sure of tackling or leaving to a pro: the basement has a water problem. When it rains you can hear water trickling in the wall cavity after rains and we do get a slight stream of water flowing to the floor drain after heavy downpour.

The house was built in 1946 with a full basement with block walls on a poured slab and no sump pump. I need a sump installed anyways and was thinking of putting in French drain along with dimple board at the same time to solve the problem. My wife and I have tackled most of the other renovations done to our house and I have some construction experience. I’m familiar enough with all the steps involved, and the thought of renting a jackhammer and gas powered wet saw sounds really cool: is this something that can be tackled by an above average skilled DIYer? Is there anything I need to be concerned with that would push this into the realm of hiring a professional?

PS: Did I mention I’d get to rent a concrete saw and a jack hammer for this job?

Question 3: What’s the best way to upgrade my board and batten?

Jonathan from Ontario writes: Hey guys, I’m currently working through all the podcasts and I have to say I do really enjoy listening to you guys.

I live in a 1986 2-story country house in Ontario (that’s in Canada FYI). The windows were updated about 8 years ago by the previous owner and done incorrectly. The siding is wood board and batten and is getting close to needing to be replaced. Underneath the board and batten is #15 felt paper over horizontal furring strips and the insulation. I will clarify there is no sheathing whatsoever.

When I replace the siding I’d also like to replace the windows and doors to ensure it’s all done correctly. Will it be an issue for me to add sheathing and rigid foam insulation? I’d like to add as much rigid foam as possible given that my house is currently massively under insulated. Is it better to attach the insulation or the sheathing first (which order to layer it)?

You guys seem to knock vinyl quite a bit on the show, which type of siding would be best for me to achieve the board and batten look without the maintenance issues of wood?

Question 4: If you were to choose a house from any style/era what would it be and why?

Ryan writes: Afternoon guys, I’m about to begin the search for another house. Trying to narrow down the search leads to my question: If you were to choose a house from any style/era what would it be and why?

The thought of a new well built house is great but I don’t know if I can justify all of those resources bring poured into a new house when there are other homes out there that are vacant.

Thanks!

We’re actually a little up in the air. Currently we live in Western Washington but we’re considering moving back home to New England- north eastern CT. My wife is very partial to the Craftsman style homes we saw all over California and that’s what she would prefer if that aids at all in the discussion.

Bungalow

Cape

Four-Square

Saltbox

Dog Trot

Keep Craft Alive and Keep on Trucking!

This episode of the podcast is brought to you by Benjamin Obdyke and MiTek

This episode of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast is brought to you by Benjamin Obdyke would like to use the special occasion of our 150th anniversary to thank the nuisances that builders and homeowners despise. Our premium products protect from those pesky things like rain, snow, UV rays, and the neighbor’s sprinkler system. Take HydroGap, a drainable housewrap that eliminates moisture from your wall assembly. Or the new InvisiWrap UV, an all-black WRB, perfect for long-term moisture protection behind open joint siding. Come hang out with our awesome team and see our sexy new solutions at the International Builder’s Show, booth C7250.

Also brought to you by MiTek for Breakthroughs in Building. MiTek offers integrated Solutions…for more affordable, sustainable, safe, healthy, efficient and resilient homes. As a diversified, global supplier of software, engineered structural connections, engineering services and automated manufacturing equipment, MiTek provides a technologically advanced, high-quality, and reliable approach to building better homes with better technology. Work with the industry leader to solve the labor shortage, reduce cycle times and eliminate waste.

The Fine Homebuilding Podcast embodies Fine Homebuilding magazine’s commitment to the preservation of craftsmanship and the advancement of home performance in residential construction. The show is an informal but vigorous conversation about the techniques and principles that allow listeners to master their design and building challenges.

I think Goodfellow (otherwise known as Oliver Lumber) is the distributor for ZIP in ontario.

Also - after some shed research, I found the LP Smartside product line: https://lpcorp.com/products/exterior/siding-trim - they have flay panels and probably trim pieces that could be used for your solid panel with battens on top look of board & batten siding. May be a good option after a wrap of EPS or polyiso.